Geochemical study of the Neoproterozoic clastic sedimentary rocks of the Khambal Formation (Sindreth Basin), Aravalli Craton, NW Indian Shield: Implications for paleoweathering, provenance, and geodynamic evolution

Abstract Petrographic and geochemical studies characterize lithologies of the Khambal Formation deposited in the Sindreth Basin as arkosic, subarkosic, and quartzarenite. Weathering indices, such as CIA and CIW in conjunction with the ACNK diagram, prescribe mostly moderate chemical weathering with intermittent pulses of extreme weathering in the source area. The discrimination diagrams suggest that these Neoproterozoic clastics were deposited in an active rift basin. Provenance indicators of the detritus components point to a terrane possessing subordinate mafic material in conjunction with large felsic components. A comparison of immobile element ratios with probable source rocks suggest that the Mesoproterozoic Delhi arc situated to the east of the Sindreth Basin could be the possible source. Our mixing calculation defines the proportion of end member components in the Delhi arc. Geodynamic considerations relate the origin of the Sindreth Basin to the processes of disintegration and reassembly of supercontinents.